How E-Commerce Is Changing Fresh Food Shopping in China

02/04/21 • 29 min

During the pandemic, online purchases of fresh food really took off in China. While there are some similarities with how US and European consumers buy fresh food online, we notice some distinct differences. First and foremost, Michelle Huang, analyst at Rabobank, expects 30% of all fresh food will be bought online. This is at least partly to do with the fact that food retail in China is not as developed as other markets. Secondly, some very interesting new models are appearing, including community buying. Sufficient reason for Maria Castroviejo and Cyrille Filott to interview Michelle on the prospects.

Previous Episode

Direct to Consumer – Are You Doing It All Wrong?

One of the key developments on the back of the current Covid-19 pandemic is the accelerated adoption of e-commerce. One part of e-commerce that has grown is direct-to-consumer e-commerce, in which food and beverage producers ship directly to the consumer. Direct-to-consumer means that large platforms, aggregators of products, and retailers are being bypassed. However, many questions have been raised about the viability and the economics of direct-to-consumer. In this episode, Maria Castroviejo and Cyrille Filott question Rabobank analyst Bourcard Nesin about the value of direct-to-consumer e-commerce. Hint: it is not about money!

Next Episode

Plant-Based Foods – A Banker’s View

Plant-based foods are top-of-mind for consumers and food companies alike. The market for plant-based products is not steady by any means — a lot of change and growth is ahead of us. In this episode of Consumer Foods-to-Go, Maria Castroviejo and Cyrille Filott interview Lindsay McCorkle, lead banking officer for plant-based protein at Rabobank, on these changes. She will talk about many trends, including new technologies and declining prices. In the second part of the conversation, Lindsay will discuss funding trends, including equity and debt, as the money coming into the sector will, at least partly, determine the future success of plant-based foods. Lindsay will talk about this fundraising and how plant-based companies are being valued.